Dr. Portia Moore is a pediatrician. Dr. Moore is professionally affiliated with Texas Children's Pediatrics. She is an in-network provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Cross Blue Shield Bronze, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Gold, in addition to other insurance carriers. After attending the University of Texas Medical School at Houston for medical school, she completed her residency training at a hospital affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine.

Dr. Melissa Prihoda's area of specialization is general pediatrics. She is affiliated with Texas Children's Pediatrics. Dr. Prihoda honors Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Cross Blue Shield Bronze, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Gold, as well as other insurance carriers. She obtained her medical school training at Des Moines University, College of Osteopathic Medicine and performed her residency at a hospital affiliated with Texas A & M Health Science Center.

Dr. Charles McPherson works as a general pediatrician in Conroe, TX. Dr. McPherson's average rating from his patients is 4.5 stars out of 5. He is in-network for Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Cross Blue Shield Bronze, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Gold, in addition to other insurance carriers. Before performing his residency at a hospital affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. McPherson attended the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Dr. McPherson has received the distinction of Texas Super Doctors. His professional affiliations include CHI St. Luke's Health–The Woodlands Hospital and Texas Children's Pediatrics.

Pulmonology is a subspecialty that focuses on complex diseases of the lungs. In order to diagnose and treat lung disorders, a pulmonologist may also examine the chest, nose, throat, or heart. However, the main function of pulmonology is to make sure the lungs are functioning well.

Some of the diseases and disorders that might be treated by a pulmonologist include:

Pneumonia

Asthma

Tuberculosis

Emphysema

Mesothelioma and other lung cancers

Cystic Fibrosis

A pulmonologist often uses pulmonary function tests, such as spirometry, to measure how well the lungs are able to move air in and out. Pulmonologists are trained to take surgical samples and biopsies when needed, but they do not typically perform surgery. Pulmonologists may provide consultations to other doctors, acute care for sudden illnesses, or regular care for patients with long-term lung disorders.

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What are Lung Problems?

Every cell in the body requires oxygen to function and produces carbon dioxide as a waste product. In order to keep the body’s tissues constantly supplied with fresh oxygen and to keep waste from building up, the lungs pump air in and out, even while we are sleeping or unaware. Unfortunately, diseases and disorders affecting the lungs are some of the most common medical problems afflicting people around the world. Some of the most common lung problems include asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and lung cancer.

Asthma is a chronic disease where swollen, inflamed airways make it hard to breathe. It is often brought on by specific triggers. While asthma is a common condition, affecting millions of people, it can also be serious and even fatal in severe cases. Treatment involves avoiding triggers and using inhaled corticosteroid medications.

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is the name given to two illnesses that both cause difficulty breathing: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. In emphysema, the air sacs of the lungs become damaged, while with bronchitis they become clogged with mucus. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. It is almost always caused by breathing irritants into the lungs, such as smoking or heavy pollution.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by bacteria, a virus, or fungi. Most healthy people recover from pneumonia in a week or two, but for some people pneumonia can be fatal. There are treatments available for pneumonia, but the best treatment is to prevent getting sick in the first place. People who are at risk should make sure they get a flu shot every year. There is also a vaccine available for the type of bacteria that causes pneumonia.

Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells inside the lung grow into a tumor, destroying healthy tissue. Because it is so difficult to detect lung cancer in early stages when it has few symptoms, it is the deadliest form of cancer, responsible for the most cancer deaths both in the U.S. and worldwide. Most lung cancer is caused by exposure to tobacco smoke, but between 10-15% of cases are not linked to smoking.

Some problems with the lungs are minor and are not cause for concern. However if symptoms have lasted for a month or more, even if they are minor, it is worth checking with a healthcare professional to make sure your lungs are healthy. A cough, shortness of breath, or excess mucus production that lingers for weeks are all worth getting looked at.